Two rainwater drainage projects in Galali have come under sharp criticism for failing to resolve chronic flooding issues, despite costing nearly BD90,000 and being completed less than a year ago.
Muharraq Municipal Council vice-chairman and Galali councillor Saleh Buhazaa voiced concern over persistent water accumulation in Block 255 (Road 5544 – Wahat Al Muharraq) and Block 254 (Road 5426), describing the situation as ‘unacceptable and alarming’.
The projects, implemented by the Works Ministry between June and July 2024, were intended to address flooding. Officially allocated budgets stood at BD81,000 for Block 255 and BD8,000 for Block 254.
“Despite the completion of these projects and the funds spent, residents continue to face flooding during rains – and it happens in the locations that were supposed to be fixed,” Mr Buhazaa said.
“This clearly indicates serious shortcomings, either in technical studies, execution, or supervision,” he alleged.
Bahrain has witnessed scattered rainfall over the last two days which has led to waterlogging in some areas of Galali.
Mr Buhazaa warned that recurring rainwater accumulation poses risks to public safety, damages private and public property, and undermines residents’ quality of life.
“These were not new or unexpected flooding points,” he stressed. “The failure to provide a permanent solution raises serious questions about how these projects were planned, implemented and approved.”
Mr Buhazaa called on the ministry to take immediate corrective action, starting with an urgent and independent technical assessment of both projects to determine the reasons behind their alleged failure.
“There must be a transparent evaluation that clearly identifies where the fault lies,” he said.
“We also demand a comprehensive re-treatment of the affected sites to ensure the problem is resolved once and for all, not through temporary or cosmetic fixes.”
He further urged the ministry to hold accountable any parties found to be negligent, in line with existing laws and regulations.
“This situation does not reflect the standards expected of vital infrastructure works,” he said.
Mr Buhazaa confirmed that the council would continue to closely monitor the issue and pursue all necessary legal and oversight measures to safeguard residents’ rights and secure sustainable solutions.
“Galali residents deserve effective infrastructure that genuinely protects them during the rainy season,” he added. “We will not stop until practical and lasting solutions are achieved.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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